The View from the Commissioner`s Box

Transcription

The Official News of the 2009 Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camp
GOODYEAR ERA DAWNS!
Players at the 2009 Cleveland Indians
Fantasy Camp will be the first-ever to
see game action at the Tribe’s new stateof-the-art training complex. Happy to
shake the cold and snow of winter, these
boys of summer are ready to bask in the
sun and blue sky glory of Goodyear,
Arizona, site of the Indians new spring
training home and training facility.
Nestled in the shadows of the Estrella
Mountains with its scenic views, desert
vistas, lakes, and golf courses, Goodyear
is one of the fastest growing cities in the
Valley. Just twenty minutes west of
downtown Phoenix, Goodyear offers all
the advantages of a small community,
with all the cultural and entertainment
resources the metro Phoenix area offers.
The Goodyear site is about much
more than spring training baseball. For a
number of years, the Cleveland Indians
organization actively sought a location
for a 12-month baseball training facility.
They explored a variety of cities in Florida as well as here in the desert. The
quest was to provide the Indians players,
coaches, and baseball staff the best possible facilities to train and rehab yearround. This new complex will provide
that opportunity.
The complex consists of a state-ofthe-art 38,000 square-foot clubhouse, six
full practice fields, two half practice
fields, batting cages and pitching tunnels
complete with video cameras, and an
agility field. It sits on 55 acres at a cost
of $75 million.
“The Cleveland Indians Training
Complex will impact our team’s culture,
atmosphere and rehabilitation process,”
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sunday’s
Lineup
said Indians Executive Vice President
and General Manager Mark Shapiro.
To every Indians fan, spring training
is a time of renewal. A time when the
spirit of the heart overtakes the mind and 7:00 - 8:30 Breakfast at the ballpark
body to make us young and wide-eyed,
with visions of bringing the World Series
trophy back to the best location in the 7:00 - 8:00 Bat selection
nation.
Now it's your turn to swing the bat, 8:30 - 8:55 Stretching on Field # 1
flash the leather, strike 'em out with your
wicked curveball, and create your own 9:00 -10:15 Clinics on Fields
piece of Cleveland Indians history. You
will know you are in The Show as you 10:15 -11:30 Batting practice on all fields
play alongside Bob Feller, Rick Manning, Pat Tabler, Cory Snyder, Max
Alvis, Mike Hargrove, Scott Bailes, 11:45 -12:55 Lunch
Dave Nelson, Charles Nagy, Carlos
Baerga, Kevin Rhomberg, Dave Burba, 12:45 -1:00 Stretching on game field
Joe Charboneau, and more. Want to
know how to throw a curveball? Just ask 1:00 - 3:00 Intra-squad games
pitching coach Rick Waits. Need help
learning to hit a Len Barker fastball? 3:15 - 5:00 Draft (Coaches only)
Hitting instructor Brook Jacoby is here
just for you.
Baseball is a game for all time and for 6:00 - 7:45 Team Dinner (see postings
of team assignments and
all people. It is a game that teaches us
dinner locations at hotel)
that besides the muscle that is needed to
hit home runs, it is the mind that is the
true key to every great ballplayer. That 8:00 - ??? Kangaroo Kourt
is why you can live this special week
(Mandatory attendance)
dreaming of going north with the big
club. Is it possible? Just ask Ben FranBull session following
cisco what he was thinking during spring
training last year. So stretch that gapper
(Subject to change)
into a triple. Make that bare-handed
pickup and throw 'em out by a step. The
possibilities are only limited by your
imagination. So now it’s time to wake
up that kid in you and.………..Play Ball!
Smoke Signals will be published daily to keep you informed of all of the news
and happenings of the 2009 Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camp. Each morning you will
receive a fresh edition filled with game stories, stats, standings, schedules, and feature
articles. The hard-working Smoke Signals staff is headed by life-long Clevelander
Denny Linden, a veteran of the 1992 Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camp, which was the
final camp held in Tucson, AZ. Denny will be the one writing the game scoops, digging up the dirt, doing the interviews, crunching the numbers, and reporting the personal thrills and inside stories of your magical week as a player on the Cleveland Indians. A week that promises to be the greatest baseball experience of your life! Each
edition of Smoke Signals will also be available daily to share with your family and
friends via the Internet at the Tribe’s official website, www.indians.com.
Page 2
The View from the Commissioner’s Box ……....
Baseball is a thread that runs
through life linking families and generations through its many rich traditions.
Cleveland Indians fans have a special rich tradition that is now entering
its seventy-third year. That tradition is
marveling at Bob Feller, who is considered the greatest Cleveland Indians
player of all time and arguably the
greatest right-handed pitcher of all time.
Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1962
in his first year of eligibility, Bob’s No.
19 was the first uniform number ever
retired by the Indians.
Among Bob’s many marks of distinction was that he was a big contributor on the 1948 Cleveland Indians, the
last Indians team to win a World Series
championship.
Every person who attends a Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camp looks forward to meeting and spending time with
this very special man.
During Fantasy Camp, Bob is respectfully known as the camp commissioner. He does not coach an individual
team.
“Being the commissioner of the
best baseball fantasy camp in the world
is a very high honor,” said Bob, who
has been to all of the camps held by the
Indians. 2009 is his twenty-second.
“It’s a commissioner’s job to try to
oversee that everybody is abiding by the
rules of the game. If they don’t, there
will be consequences.
“If I am suspicious of any of those
campers using steroids, I’ll show them
where the Sky Harbor Airport is,”
added Bob with a smile.
“Being commissioner for this group
of businessmen and people from the
Cleveland area, or Cleveland fans, and
baseball fans from all over the United
States; it’s fun to be with them.
“I’ll get to know them, take a picture, shake hands, play catch, tell a few
rainy day stories, answer a few dumb
questions, and a few smart ones.
“The commissioner’s job in major
league baseball is completely different
than what I have to do here. Mine is
just an honorary position.
“I look forward to a very good
camp. Good competition. I don’t want
anybody to work too hard to try to win
anything.”
Speaking with pride over the game
he so fiercely loves, Bob talked firsthand about the history of baseball commissioners.
“I’ve known every baseball commissioner since commissioner number
one, Kenesaw Mountain Landis.
“The reason that Judge Landis be-
came the commissioner was because of
the Black Sox scandal.
“Landis was a federal judge in Chicago, a baseball fan, and a friend of
Comiskey,” said Bob of the judge and
the 1919 Chicago White Sox owner.
“Comiskey politicked and he got
Landis a job as the baseball commissioner.
“He thought by doing that he
wouldn’t throw all these players out of
the game. He double-crossed him.
“He threw them all out. All eight
of them. He did the right thing,” said
Bob of Commissioner Landis.
“I knew him. He had to rule on me
when I came here,” explained Bob in
adding his own personal experience.
“I’ve known all the commissioners.
There have been good ones and bad
ones.
“The best baseball commissioner,
as far as I’m concerned, was number
one, Bart Giamatti. Number two was
Happy Chandler. Number three was Fay
Vincent.
“Happy Chandler was a great commissioner because he was the one to
help start the baseball players pension
plan.
“He was all for the ballplayers,
which is why he lost his job. He lost his
job because a friend of the St. Louis
Cardinals owner wanted Ford Frick to
become commissioner. He was able to
work it by getting [the votes].
“In those days there were only sixteen major league teams. Happy Chandler got eleven votes for him and five
against him. You had to have seventyfive percent, just like you do at the Hall
of Fame. He came close.
“Happy Chandler was a great commissioner. Ford Frick was not a good
commissioner. Neither was Peter Ueberroth. Why? Because they were not
for the ballplayers. They were for the
club owners.
“That’s why we got free agency.
We got arbitration. And the major
league club owners cannot handle arbitration and free agency at the same date
and time.
“The players have it all over them.
They can’t win. Not with arbitration
and free agency at the same date and
time. It can’t be done. I don’t say it’s
right.
“I don’t believe in long-term contracts. I believe in one-year contracts
with incentives,” said Bob with a view
towards baseball issues of today.
“I see that’s what the Cleveland
ballclub is doing with some of their
players that have had physical prob-
lems. They have to produce. I’m not in
favor of people being given money
without working for it like they’re doing
right now with the bailout.
“Giving people money they didn’t
work for is not going to help anything.
It’s going to do more damage than has
already been done,” said Bob, who is as
passionate about being an American as
he is about baseball.
A long-time resident of Gates
Mills, Ohio with his wife, Anne, Bob
recently celebrated his 90th birthday.
“The Cleveland Indians did a great
job,” said Bob of the warm event held at
Progressive Field last November.
“Bobby D [DiBiasio] and the executive offices, with the Dolans, Dennis
Lehman, and everybody involved, all
worked very hard to make it a very successful birthday party.
“The ninety thousand dollars they
gave me for the museum was very much
appreciated. It will be put to good use,”
said Bob in referring to the Bob Feller
Museum located in his hometown of
Van Meter, Iowa.
“The museum is doing very well.
My wife, Anne, did the lighting. She
was a lighting expert with General Electric for many years, right here at Nela
Park. My son, Steve, who is an architect in Orlando, designed the museum,”
related Bob with pride.
“It’s probably the best private baseball museum in the world. It’s not subsidized by anybody.”
Bob, who attends most every Indians home game, remains a keen observer of current baseball issues.
“I like the videos and instant reply,” said Bob regarding the current use
of technology in baseball.
“I’m all for instant replay on the
calls by umpires because the umpires
can’t see everything. I’m all for challenges on the bases, including home
plate, but not balls and strikes.
“With the videos, when you’re having a good year, having a bad year, or
having a good day, you might be able to
pick up something.
“You can also watch the hitters.
You can tell a lot about hitters by
watching them in batting practice,
which I used to always do.
“Pitching nowadays, there are a lot
of throwers and not too many pitchers.
“There is over-coaching, overmanaging, and it’s over-computerized,”
said Bob of the game today.
“Baseball is a simple game. You
throw the ball, you hit it, and you run.
You’re safe or out. That’s the game.
“It’s that simple.”
* Named to the TOP 100 GREATEST INDIANS ROSTER
Page 3
PRO•FILES ............ THE COACHES
MAX ALVIS *
CARLOS BAERGA *
3B - Indians ‘62-69, Brewers ‘70
Major League Debut 9/11/62
Born 2/2/38 Jasper, TX
2B/IF/DH - Indians ‘90-’96, ’99, Mets ’96-’98, Padres ‘99,
Red Sox ’02, Diamondbacks ‘03-’04, Nationals ‘05-’06
Born 11/4/68 Santurce, P.R.
Career Totals:
AVG
.247
G
AB
1,013 3,629
R
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
421
895
142
22
111
373
Career Totals:
AVG
G
.291
1,630
2B
3B
HR
RBI
5,439 731 1,583 279
AB
R
H
17
134
774
Max Alvis became the Indians regular third baseman
in 1963, and anchored that spot through the 1968 season.
Max’s 1963 rookie season featured career highs in batting average at .274, and home runs with 22. He became
only the second rookie to be elected the Indians Man of
the Year. That coveted honor was again bestowed upon
him in 1967 when he tallied a career high 70 RBI and hit
21 home runs.
A Texas-tough competitor who is always upbeat and
friendly, Max was stricken with spinal meningitis during
the 1964 season. After being hospitalized in Boston for
six weeks, Max made a remarkable recovery. After battling his way back to good health, Max went on to finish
that season and tallied a .252 batting average. He then
returned with a solid overall performance in 1965 and
was named to the American League All-Star team, a
distinction the career third baseman also earned in 1967.
Signed by the Padres at the age of sixteen, Carlos Baerga
was acquired by the Indians in a trade before the 1990 season
and became the regular second baseman during the 1991 campaign. In 1992, Carlos batted .312, played a career-high 161
games, and was named to the American League All-Star team.
He was also an AL All-Star in 1993 and again in 1995, when
he was voted the AL starting second baseman.
Always a fan-favorite for his energy and enthusiasm, Carlos batted .314 to help the Tribe win the 1995 AL Pennant.
He won the Silver Slugger Award for AL second baseman in
1993, batting a career-best .321, and again in 1994 (.314).
Carlos, who was named Indians Man of the Year in 1991 and
again in 1992, joined Rogers Hornsby in both 1992 and 1993
as the only other second baseman in history to collect 200 hits,
while batting over .300 with at least 20 home runs and 100
RBI. On 4/8/93 in the bottom of the seventh inning versus the
Yankees, Carlos became the only player in major league history to homer from both sides of the plate in the same inning.
Traded to the Mets in 1996, Carlos would go on to play
for several teams through 2005. He then began his broadcasting career and is currently working for ESPN Deportes.
JOE AZCUE *
SCOTT BAILES
C - Reds ‘60, Athletics ‘62-’63, Indians ‘63-’69,
Red Sox ‘69, Angels ‘69-’72, Brewers ‘72
Born 8/18/39 Cienfuegos, Cuba
LHP - Indians ‘86-’89, Angels ‘90-’92, Rangers ‘97-’98
Major League Debut 4/9/86 Born 12/18/61 Chillicothe, OH
Career Totals:
AVG
G
AB
R
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
.252
909
2,828
201
712
94
9
50
304
“The Immortal” Joe Azcue was so nicknamed by
his teammates thanks to his clutch hitting during his
very first game as an Indian on May 25, 1963. Legend
has it that after being traded to the Tribe, Joe spent
most of the previous night in airports and on a plane
making his way to Cleveland. During the game he fell
asleep in the bullpen, but was quickly awakened and
rushed into action following an injury to starting
catcher John Romano. A few innings later, Joe delivered the game-winning hit. He continued to earn his
“immortality” by coming through in the clutch many
times that season while batting .284 with 14 home runs
and 46 RBI, all career bests.
Always a solid defensive performer behind the
plate, Joe batted .280 in 1968 while helping the Tribe
to a third place finish, and was named to the American
League All-Star team.
Career Totals:
W
L
PCT
G
IP
ERA
CG
BB
SO
39
44
.470
343
679.2
4.95
5
256
351
In making the jump from Class AA to the major
leagues in 1986, Scott Bailes made the most of the opportunity. He went on to lead the Indians pitching staff
with 62 appearances while posting a 10-10 record, appearing both as a starter and a reliever. His 8 wins in
relief set a new Tribe record for rookie pitchers.
After beginning the 1987 campaign as a starter, Scott
moved to the bullpen in May and responded by going 10, along with 5 saves, and a 0.60 ERA in his first 12 appearances. Continuing in a combined role, he achieved
career highs in starts (21), complete games (5), shutouts
(2), and innings pitched (145) in 1988. Scott landed on
the disabled list during the 1989 season, which lead to
him being traded to the Angels after the season. Hampered by injuries, Scott eventually retired in 1993.
With the market hot for southpaws in 1997, the nowhealthy 35-year old ended his retirement and pitched his
way back to the majors with the Rangers. In 1998, Scott
appeared in 46 games, the most since his rookie season.
Page 4
LEN BARKER *
DAVE BURBA
RHP - Rangers ‘76-78, Indians ‘79-83,
Braves ‘83-85, Brewers ‘87
Born 7/27/55 Fort Knox, KY
RHP - Mariners ‘90-’91, Giants ‘92-’94,‘95,‘04, Reds ‘95, ‘96’97, Indians ’98-’02, Rangers ‘02, Brewers ‘03-’04
Born 7/7/66 Dayton, OH
Career Totals:
W
L
PCT
G
IP
ERA
CG
BB
SO
74
76
.493
248
1,323.2
4.34
35
513
975
Career Totals:
W
L
PCT
G
IP
ERA
CG
BB
SO
115
87
.569
511
1,777.2
4.49
6
762
1,398
In 1980 Len Barker emerged as the Tribe’s top
pitcher in posting a 19-12 record with 187 strikeouts in
246.1 innings, all career-bests. His performance created
a promise of things to come.
That promise came on May 15, 1981, when Len
pitched the ninth perfect game in modern major league
history. In defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 3-0 at Municipal Stadium, Len threw a total of 103 pitches, with 74
of them in the strike zone. In all he threw 41 fastballs
(several clocked at 96-plus mph), 60 curves, and 2
change-ups. His masterpiece featured 11 strikeouts - all
swinging - and drew the praise of his manager, baseball
veteran Dave Garcia, who said, “I’ve never seen a better
pitched game”. Len’s strong first-half season performance earned him a spot on the 1981 American League
All-Star team.
Len was a 2001 inductee into the Greater Cleveland
Sports Hall of Fame, and currently assists with the
Tribe’s youth baseball camps and clinics.
Versatility and durability are two characteristics of Dave
Burba, who was the Mariners’1987 second round draft pick
after his junior year at the Ohio State University. After spending parts of two seasons in relief, Dave was traded to the Giants, who later added him to their starting rotation. In 1993,
Dave contributed to the Giants 103 win season by posting a 103 record.
Dave blossomed as a starter in Cincinnati, where he was
traded by the Giants in July, 1995. After two and a half solid
seasons, the Indians traded for him just before the Reds’ 1998
season opener, which Dave was slated to start. The Tribe’s
bold move proved wise, as Dave had back to back 15 win seasons in 1998 and 1999, and pitched over 200 innings in each of
those division winning campaigns. Those seasons also featured key playoff appearances in both starting and relief roles.
Dave then posted a career-best 16-6 record for the Tribe in
2000.
In 2003, Dave signed with the Brewers and re-established
himself as a reliever, where in 2004, he was 3-1 in 70.2 innings
of work before being traded to the Giants in September to
round out his 15 season career.
In 2007, Dave began participating in the Indians Alumni
Ambassador Program, where he continues in 2009.
GARY BELL *
JOE CHARBONEAU *
RHP - Indians ‘58-’67, Red Sox ‘67-‘68, Pilots ‘69,
White Sox ‘69
Major League Debut 6/1/58 Born 11/17/36 San Antonio, TX
OF - Indians ‘80-’82
Born 6/17/55 Belvidere, IL
Career Totals:
W
L
PCT
G
IP
ERA
CG
BB
SO
121
117
.508
519
2,015
3.68
71
842 1,378
Gary Bell showed great promise as both a starting
pitcher and in relief as a rookie during 1958, a season
that saw him win 12 games. In 1959, Gary was a 16game winner and helped the Tribe to a second place
American League finish. Featuring an array of pitches
and maintaining his effectiveness as a starter, Gary led
the AL with 9 relief victories in 1962, and had 17 saves
in 1965. Of Gary’s 519 career appearances, 286 were in
made in relief.
Always colorful and a true fan favorite, in all-time
Tribe history, Gary is eighth in strikeouts, fourteenth in
innings pitched, and sixteenth in wins. He was traded to
the Red Sox during the 1967 season where he pitched
well in winning 12 games, to help his team gain the AL
pennant and advance to the World Series. Consistent and
versatile, Gary was named to the AL All-Star team both
in 1960 and 1966 while playing for the Indians. He was
named an AL All-Star a third time as a member of the
Red Sox in 1968.
Career Totals:
AVG
G
AB
R
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
.266
201
647
97
172
26
4
29
114
In 1980, Joe Charboneau not only won the American
League Rookie of the Year Award, he also won the
hearts of the hometown fans. Joe made a spectacular
debut by smashing a home run in just his second major
league at bat. In all, he tallied a .289 batting average
with 23 home runs and 87 RBI.
His play on the field, along with his colorful style,
created his larger-than-life persona known as “Super
Joe”. The subject of both book and song, Joe told stories of drinking beer through a straw in his nose, and
pulling out one of his teeth with a pair of pliers. Unfortunately, injuries lead to two back operations which
ended his major league playing career in 1982.
Joe began his coaching career in 1999 with the Canton Crocodiles, an independent professional baseball
team in the Frontier League, serving as hitting instructor,
first base coach, and director of baseball operations
through 2001. In 2002-03, Joe coached for the Washington Wildthings (Frontier), in 2004, for the Windy
City Thunderbolts (Frontier), and in 2005, for the Richmond Roosters (Frontier) serving as hitting instructor
and bench coach in each of those posts. Since 2006, Joe
has been working as a local area youth hitting instructor
and is involved in youth baseball clinics.
Page 5
JEFF DATZ
MUDCAT GRANT *
C - Tigers ‘89
Born 11/28/59 Camden, NJ
RHP - Indians ‘58-’64, Twins ‘64-’67, Dodgers ‘68, Expos ‘69,
Cardinals ‘69, Athletics ‘70, ‘71, Pirates ‘70-’71
Born 8/13/35 Lacoochee, FL
Career Totals:
AVG
G
AB
R
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
..200
7
10
0
2
0
0
0
0
Jeff Datz was drafted by the Astros in 1982 and
played in their minor league system through 1988.
Jeff was later acquired by the Tigers who brought
him up to the major leagues in 1989.
In 1991, Jeff joined the Indians organization.
First serving as an area scout, he then became a coach
for the Watertown (NY) Indians in 1993. Jeff then
went on to manage from 1994-1999 at Watertown,
Columbus (GA), Akron, and Buffalo, where he led
the Bisons to the 1998 International League Championship. The Indians made Jeff their minor league
field coordinator in 1999, a post where he became
deeply involved with all six minor league clubs.
Jeff was promoted to the Tribe’s major league
coaching staff in 2002 as bench coach, and also saw
third base coaching action later that season. From
2003-2005, he was the first base coach. In 2006, Jeff
coached third base before being moved to bench
coach, where he will continue to serve in 2009. Jeff
has also served as outfield and base running coach.
Career Totals:
W
L
PCT
G
IP
ERA
CG
BB
SO
145
119
.549
571
2,441.2
3.63
89
849
1,26
Although Jim “Mudcat” Grant has a special place in
Cleveland Indians history as both a player and a broadcaster, he achieved his greatest pitching success after
being traded in June, 1964. Despite his popularity and
being named to the 1963 American League All-Star
team, Mudcat was traded by the Tribe in a deal designed
to help the team’s financial troubles.
Mudcat became the first African-American pitcher
to have a 20-win season in the American League, when
he led the Twins to the 1965 AL pennant with a leagueleading 21-7 record. He was 2-1 in the 1965 World Series, having helped himself to a Game 6 win by hitting a
three-run home run. That year he was also a member of
the AL All-Star team, and was named the AL Pitcher of
the Year.
In 2003, Mudcat received the prestigious W.O.
Walker Award for his many civic contributions to the
city of Cleveland. He has worked closely with troubled
youths and with the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
Mudcat has also had longtime involvements with the
local Cystic Fibrosis and Multiple Sclerosis foundations.
BOB FELLER ^*
MIKE HARGROVE ^*
RHP - Indians ‘36-’41, ‘45-’56
Born 11/3/18 Van Meter, IA
1B/LF - Rangers ‘74-’78, Padres ‘79, Indians ‘79-’85
Born 10/26/49 Perryton, TX
Career Totals:
W
L
PCT
G
IP
ERA
CG
266
162
.621
570
3,827
3.25
279
BB
SO
1,764 2,581
There is perhaps no greater Indians legend than pitcher
Bob Feller, who made his debut in the summer of 1936 at the
age of 17. In 14 appearances that year, Bob completed 5 of 8
starts, had 5 victories and struck out 76 batters in 62 innings.
Then he went home to Iowa to finish high school.
Bob complimented his blazing fastball with a tremendous
curve and slider, making him one of the most dominating
pitchers of all time. In 18 seasons, he hurled 3 no-hitters, the
first being on Opening Day in 1940 - the only Opening Day
no-hitter in baseball history. A 20-game winner 6 times, including a career-best 27 in 1940, Bob also threw 12 onehitters and 44 shutouts. He is the Indians all-time leader in
shutouts, innings pitched, wins, and strikeouts. Nicknamed
“Rapid Robert”, he also led the American League in strikeouts
7 times, including 1946 when he fanned 348, a then major
league record. Bob appeared in eight All-Star games, more
than any other player in Indians history, and was the AL starting pitcher in 1941 and 1946.
Bob would likely have had 300 career victories had he not
spent nearly 4 seasons during the prime of his career, serving
as a Navy gun crew chief during WWII. In 1957, his number
19 become the first uniform number ever retired by the Indians. Bob was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1962, which was
his first year of eligibility.
Career Totals: AVG
.290
G
AB
1,666 5,564
R
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
783
1,614
266
28
80
686
Manager - Indians ‘91-’99, Orioles ‘00-’03, Mariners ‘05-’07
Career Totals:
W
L
PCT
1,188
1,173
.503
After just two seasons in the minors, Mike Hargrove batted .323 for the Rangers and was named the 1974 American
League Rookie of the Year. In 1975, he batted .303 and was
named to the AL All-Star team. Prior to the 1979 season,
Mike was traded to the Padres, who then dealt him to the Indians on June 14th. That trade that will always be regarded as
one of the Tribe’s best-ever. Mike batted .325 the rest of that
season, and continued his hot hitting by tallying a career-best
179 hits along with a .304 average in 1980, and a .317 average
in 1981. Always well-regarded and popular, Mike was named
the Indians Man of the Year in those years, and received
BBWA “Good Guy” Award honors in 1985 and 1991.
The summer of 1986 saw Mike begin a new career. First
as a Class A batting instructor, he became a top minor league
manager and worked his way up to being named Tribe skipper
on July 6, 1991. Over the next nine seasons, Mike compiled a
721-591 record (.550) that ranks second in team history. He
led the Tribe to five consecutive AL Central Division titles
from 1995-99, won AL Championships in ‘95 and ‘97, and
was named AL Manager of the Year in 1995 after posting a
100-44 record. Mike later managed the Orioles and Mariners,
and is currently managing (2008-) the Liberal (KS) Bee Jays,
a collegiate summer league team, where he played in 1972.
Page 6
BROOK JACOBY *
JEFF MANTO
3B/1B - Braves ‘81, ‘83, Indians ‘84-’91, ’92, Athletics ‘91
Born 11/23/59 Philadelphia, PA
3B/1B/IF/C/LF - Indians ‘90-‘91, ‘97-’98, ‘99, Phillies ‘93,
Orioles ‘95, Mariners ‘96, Red Sox ‘96, Tigers ‘98,
Yankees ‘99, Rockies ‘00
Born 8/23/64 Bristol, PA
Career Totals:
AVG
G
AB
R
.270
1,311
4,520
53
2B
3B
HR
RBI
1,220 204
H
24
120
545
Career Totals:
AVG
G
AB
R
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
.230
289
713
97
164
35
2
31
97
One of the best trades in team history created the opportunity for Brook Jacoby to establish himself as both a solid major league hitter and a starting third baseman. His work habits
and approach to the game were admired by his teammates,
managers, and coaches.
A durable and consistent contributor from 1985 through
1990, Brook was named to the American League All-Star
team in 1986 and 1990. In 1987, he had career-bests with 32
home runs and a .300 batting average, and won the Indians
“Man of the Year” award.
Brook began his coaching career in 1999 with the Atlantic City Surf (Atlantic League). In 2000, Brook became the
roving minor league hitting instructor for the Cincinnati Reds.
In 2001-02, he served as hitting instructor for their Class AAA
team, the Louisville Bats. In 2003-04, Brook was the Texas
Rangers year-round hitting and fielding instructor at their Arizona training complex. In 2005-06, he served as the Rangers
minor league hitting coordinator. Brook returned to the major
leagues in 2007 as the hitting coach for the Reds, where he
will continue to serve in 2009.
Jeff Manto was drafted by the California Angels in
1985 after finishing an outstanding career at Temple
University, where he batted .412 and set records for total
bases, extra base hits, and slugging percentage.
Before the 1990 season, Jeff was traded to the Indians, where he played for parts of the next two seasons.
In 1995, while playing for the Orioles, Jeff had careerbests in batting (.256) and home runs (17), including 4
consecutive home runs in 4 consecutive at bats to tie a
major league record. In 1997, Jeff was again traded to
the Tribe, where he played parts of the next three seasons. His stellar AAA career, where 48% of his hits
went for extra bases, led the Buffalo Bisons to retire his
uniform number 30.
After his playing days in 2000, Jeff worked as an
instructor and scout. He served as hitting coach for the
Pirates in 2006-07. In 2009, Jeff will serve as a hitting
coordinator in player development for the White Sox.
RICK MANNING *
CHARLES NAGY ^*
CF - Indians ‘75-’83, Brewers ‘83-’87
Major League Debut 5/23/75 Born 9/2/54 Niagara Falls, NY
RHP - Indians ‘90-’02, Padres ‘03
Born 5/5/67 Bridgeport, CT
Career Totals:
Career Totals:
AVG
G
AB
R
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
.257
1,555
5,248
664
1,349
189
43
56
458
The Indians made Rick Manning their number one
selection in the 1972 amateur draft. At the time he was a
shortstop. Rick was immediately switched to center field
in a move designed to capitalized on his good speed and
solid defensive skills.
In 1975, Rick reached the major leagues at the age
of 20, batted .285 as a rookie, and established himself as
one of the best defensive center fielders in the game.
The following season he won a Gold Glove while batting a career-best .292. “Archie”, as he is known among
teammates and friends, also won the 1980 BBWAA
“Good Guy” award. In 1983, Rick led all major league
outfielders with 478 chances and tied a record for center
fielders by handling 12 chances in a 15-inning game
while playing for the Brewers.
After retiring as a player, Rick began his broadcasting career. Since 1990, he has delighted Tribe fans with
his color commentary while telecasting games on Sports
Channel, Fox Sports Net, Fox network, and SportsTime
Ohio, where he continues in 2009.
During 2004, Rick also served as the Indians regular
season outfield and base running coach, and was a Tribe
spring training coach through 2005.
W
L
PCT
G
IP
ERA
CG
BB
SO
129
105
.551
318
1,954.7
4.51
31
586
1,242
After winning the first annual Bob Feller Award, given to
the Indians’ minor league pitcher of the year, Charles Nagy
reached the major leagues in just his second year as a professional. Prior to turning pro as the Indians’ second number one
pick in the 1988 June Draft, Charlie won a Gold Medal as a
member of the 1988 U.S. Olympic baseball team. He led
Team USA with a 1.05 ERA, and posted a 3-1 record, with 6
saves in 19 games during a 53-game summer schedule.
In his 13-year Tribe career, Charlie won 17 games three
times and was a cornerstone of the Indians championship
teams of the 1990’s. He was only one of two pitchers to win
15 or more games in each season from 1995-99, and went 9041 in a stretch from 1994-99. His 50 career wins at Jacobs
Field are the most of all-time. Charlie ranks 6th as the Tribe’s
all-time strikeout leader, 10th in wins, and 11th in innings
pitched. He was named to the American League All-Star team
in 1992, in a season where he would post career-bests in ERA
(.296) and innings pitched (252.0). Charlie was again named
an AL All-Star in 1996 and 1999.
Charlie was also a solid post-season performer. He compiled a 3-0 record against the Red Sox in AL Division Series
play, and was the starting pitcher in the 1997 AL pennantclinching 1-0 victory over the host Orioles, where he hurled
7.1 masterful shutout innings in one of the most exciting wins
in team history.
Following his playing days, Charlie served as pitching
coach in 2006-07 for the AAA Salt Lake City Bees (Angels).
Page 7
DAVE NELSON
RICH ROLLINS
2B - Indians ‘68-’69, Senators/Rangers ‘70-’75,
Royals ‘76-’77
Born 6/20/44 Fort Sill, OK
3B - Twins ‘61-’68, Pilots/Brewers ‘69-’70, Indians ‘70
Major League Debut 6/16/61 Born 4/16/38 Mt. Pleasant, PA
Career Totals:
AVG
G
AB
R
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
.244
813
2,578
340
630
77
19
20
211
Speed and base running ability are the words that best
highlight Dave Nelson’s playing career. His top base stealing
campaign was in 1972 when he stole 51 bases, missing the
league title by one. Over his major league career Davey stole
187 bases. He tied a record by stealing 2nd, 3rd and home in
one inning. In 1973, Davey hit a career-best .286, stole 43
bases and was named to the American League All-Star team.
Davey began his coaching career in 1981 with the White
Sox, serving as first base coach and base running coach. In
1986-87, he was the Athletics’ Director of Instruction. From
1992-97, Davey was the Indians’ first base coach, and outfield
and base running instructor. In 2000, he worked as the Marlins roving minor league base running instructor. He served in
that post for the Brewers in 2001-02, who then returned Davey
to the major leagues in 2003-2006 as their first base coach, out
fielding coach, and base running coach.
In 1998-99, Davey was a color commentator on Indians
radio broadcasts, as he was for the Chicago Cubs in 1988-89.
In 2007, he became the Brewers TV co-host for pre-and postgame telecasts on Fox, where Davey was part of a crew that
won an Emmy Award for best pre-game sports shows in the
Chicago/Midwest region. He continues in that post in 2009.
Career Totals:
AVG
G
AB
R
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
.269
1,002
3,303
419
887
125
20
77
399
Rich Rollins was a key contributor to the Minnesota
Twins teams of the 1960’s. In 1962, his first full major
league season, Rich batted .298, with 23 doubles and 16
home runs. He had 96 RBI and career-highs with 186
hits and 159 games played. That year Rich received the
most All-Star votes of any American League player and
started in both All-Star games. Rich followed that performance in 1963 by hitting a career-best .307 while
matching his tallies of the previous campaign with 16
home runs and 23 doubles. In 1965, Rich helped the
Twins win the AL pennant and saw action in three
World Series games.
Always noted for his hard work and commitment to
his team, Rich developed into a solid and most dependable third baseman. He wrote himself into the Twins
record books in 1967 when he established a new fielding
record for third basemen with a .963 fielding average.
Rich played his final major league season with the Indians, contributing in a utility role and as a positive clubhouse influence.
KEVIN RHOMBERG
CORY SNYDER
2B/3B/OF/DH - Indians ‘82-’84
Born 11/22/55 Dubuque, IA
OF/SS/DH/IF - Indians ‘86-‘90, White Sox ‘91,
Blue Jays ‘91, Giants ‘92, Dodgers ‘93-’94
Major League Debut 6/13/86 Born 11/11/62 Inglewood, CA
Career Totals:
AVG
G
AB
R
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
.383
41
47
5
18
0
0
1
3
Kevin Rhomberg was drafted by the Indians in 1977
and was called up to the major leagues after batting a
league-record .386 in the Class AA Southern League in
1981. That year he also had 76 stolen bases.
After retiring as a player in 1985, Kevin worked as a
scout for the Indians from 1988-91. He then began his
college coaching career and became the head baseball
coach at Cleveland State University from 1992-96. In
1997, Kevin became the head coach at Lakeland Community College, where he guided the Lakers to a 108-65
overall record during his four seasons there.
In 1999-2000, Kevin worked as the managing member partner of the independent Canton Crocodiles. In
2004, Kevin was the team president and managing partner of the independent Windy City Thunderbolts
(Frontier League). Kevin began doing consulting work
to minor league baseball in 2000, and is also currently
involved in college recruiting and operating a batting
school located in Painesville.
In 2007-2008, Kevin did radio color commentary for
the Tribe’s Class A affiliate, the Lake County Captains.
Career Totals:
AVG
G
AB
R
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
.247
1,068
3,656
439
902
178
13
149
488
Cory Snyder was the Indians’ number one amateur
draft choice in 1984, a year he also starred on the U.S.
Olympic team after being named a first-team AllAmerican third baseman at Brigham Young University.
After playing less than two seasons in the minor
leagues, the Indians made Cory their starting right
fielder in June, 1986 due to his strong throwing arm. In
his rookie campaign, Cory smashed 24 home runs and
had 69 RBI over 103 games. In 1987, his first full season in the major leagues, Cory tallied career-bests with
33 homers and 82 RBI. He followed that in 1988 with
26 home runs while posting a career-best .272 batting
average. Tribe fans were often thrilled by Cory’s throws
from the outfield and when he would be moved to shortstop in the late innings of tight ballgames when an extra
outfield bat was needed in the lineup.
Traded to the White Sox in December, 1990, Cory
would later play for the Blue Jays, Giants, and for his
hometown Dodgers, where he finished his career.
In 2007, Cory returned to the field to manage the
newly formed St. George (Utah) Roadrunners of the independent Golden Baseball League, where he continues.
He is also a part owner of the team. Following camp,
Cory will manage a Winter League team in Yuma, AZ.
Page 8
PAT TABLER *
RICK WAITS *
1B/DH/OF/3B - Cubs ‘81-’82, Indians ‘83-’88,
Royals ‘88-’90, Mets ‘90, Blue Jays ‘91-’92
Born 2/2/58 Hamilton, OH
LHP - Rangers ‘73, Indians ‘75-’83, Brewers ‘83-’85
Born 5/15/52 Atlanta, GA
Career Totals:
AVG
G
AB
R
.282
1,202
3,911
454
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
1,101 190
25
47
512
Pat Tabler’s career was marked by his uncanny
ability to hit in the clutch. A consistent line-drive hitter, Pat’s specialty was bases-loaded situations. In his
five-plus seasons with the Indians, Pat went 29-for-55
(.527) when batting with the sacks full. After being
tried at several different positions, Pat settled in as the
Tribe’s regular first baseman. He was also used at designated hitter.
In 1986, Pat hit a career-best .326 and finished
fourth in the race for the American League batting
championship. Pat followed that performance in 1987
with career-bests in every other major offensive category. He also posted a .307 batting average and was
named to the AL All-Star team.
Following his playing days, Pat began a career in
television broadcasting, first working nationally on
TSN (ESPN Canada) doing baseball highlights, game
updates, analysis, and interviews. In 2001, Pat became
the color analyst on Blue Jays telecasts and continues to
be seen on Rogers Sports Net and TSN. In past seasons, Pat has also served as an Indians spring training
instructor and minor league hitting instructor.
Career Totals:
W
L
PCT
G
IP
ERA
CG
BB
SO
79
92
.462
317
1,427
4.25
47
568
659
Rick Waits was a curveball specialist who posted 74
victories while pitching for the Indians. That total
makes Rick the fourth-winningest left-handed pitcher in
franchise history, behind Sam McDowell (122), C.C.
Sabathia (106), and Joe Shaute (78).
Rick enjoyed his best season in 1979, when he won
nine of his first thirteen decisions, including a one-hit
shutout in the home opener against the Red Sox. He
also recorded a pair of two-hit shutouts that year, and
won seven of his last eleven decisions to finish with a
career-best 16-13 record, which was tops on the club.
Rick followed that season by posting 13 victories and a
career-best 109 strikeouts in 1980. Unfortunately, in the
strike-shortened season of 1981, Rick suffered tendonitis
in his knee that hampered him for several years, and led
to him being traded to the Brewers in June, 1983.
Following his playing days, Rick began a successful
career as a pitching coach. A seven year veteran at each
minor league level of the New York Mets organization,
Rick coached the Class AAA Norfolk Tides from 19992002. The Mets promoted Rick to the major leagues in
2003 as their bullpen coach, then named him pitching
coordinator in 2004 where he continues to serve.
^
Inducted into the
CLEVELAND INDIANS HALL OF FAME
*Named to the
TOP 100 GREATEST INDIANS ROSTER
As part of the 2001 season-long 100th Anniversary Celebration, a panel of baseball writers,
historians, and executives selected a roster of the Top 100 Greatest Indians. Included on this roster are players whose sheer presence, ability, achievements, and in some cases, simply their intrinsic popularity established them as being special.
Since 1901, more than 1,500 players have graced the diamonds of League Park, Cleveland
Municipal Stadium, Jacobs Field, and now Progressive Field. It is through the men on the Top
100 Greatest Indians roster, and the 1,500-plus who were their teammates, that the rich heritage of
professional baseball in Cleveland was established.
On the magical afternoon of July 21, 2001, 38 of the Top 100 Greatest Indians gathered to be
honored, and to celebrate the Cleveland Indians 100th Anniversary along with a sellout crowd of
fans, family, and friends.
We congratulate, salute, and offer thanks to each of these men, and are thrilled and honored
to welcome 14 of them as 2009 Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camp Pros.
Page 9
THE PLAYERS
Adamik, Tom
Cleveland, OH
Deville, Pat
Sandusky, OH
Adkins, Gary
Paulding, OH
D'Fantis, Sam
North Olmsted, OH
Arnholt, Rick
Strongsville, OH
DiBiasio, Bob
Cleveland, OH
Bagdasarian, Ara
Solon, OH
Diels, Mark
Fremont, OH
Banks, John
Cleveland, OH
Ennis, Jess
Hudson, OH
Beaton, Archie
Hudson, OH
Fox, Ken
Leetona, OH
Bitgood, Jim
Laurel, MD
Frankino, Tom
Oswego, IL
Breit Jr., Dan
Cincinnati, OH
Frantz, Mark
Fresno, CA
Breit Sr., Dan
Stow, OH
Frazier, Emily
Bay Village, OH
Brosky, Mike
Lorain, OH
Gaffney, Jamie
Bexley, OH
Budz, Ron
Willoughby Hills, OH
Garcia, Tony
Parma, OH
Burns, Mike
Twinsburg, OH
Geiser, Willie
Holland, OH
Byrd, Bret
Richardson, TX
Giviskos, Gus
New York, NY
Cady, Mark
Houston, TX
Granzier, John
Cleveland, OH
Casey, Jim
Mentor, OH
Guerrini, Mike
York, PA
Castricone, Charles
Dover, OH
Halliwell, David
Doylestown, OH
Cerio, Brian
Parma, OH
Herzak, Mick
Cleveland, OH
Chester, Donny
Lexington, NE
Jeney, Jeff
Shaker Heights, OH
Cibulskas, Pete
Olmstead Twp, OH
Jirousek, Ray
Richfield, OH
Civiello, Michael
Scottsdale, AZ
Jones, Bert
Pittsford, NY
Coats, Bard
Las Vegas, NV
Kleinlein, Ron
Crete, IL
Coats, Neal
Windsor, CA
Kline, Jerry
Perrysville, OH
Cole, Marty
Jefferson, OH
Kline, Steve
Fowler Mound, TX
Cole, Matt
Cleveland, OH
Kornswiet, Neil
Laguna Beach, CA
Cosentino, Ed
Poland, OH
Kula, Randy
Seven Hills, OH
David, John
Rocky River, OH
Lab, Steve
Bowling Green, OH
Davis, Jeff
Wadsworth, OH
Lewis, Jack
Petersburg, OH
Dawson, Phil
Pepper Pike, OH
Lockwood, Hal
Wooster, OH
DeJohn, Mike
Mayfield Hts., OH
Mallett, Bobby
Shaker Heights, OH
DeJohn, Ross
Kirtland, OH
Mantel, Jim
Akron, OH
Page 10
THE PLAYERS
Massey, Stan
Sylvania, OH
Scheel, Ryan
Mentor, OH
Mastrian, Shawn
Austin, TX
Scheel, Scott
Bratenahl, OH
Matoney, Mike
Lyndhurst, OH
Schenosky, Bob
Waite Hill, OH
Mazzurco, Joe
Chesterland, OH
Schubert, Bill
Cleveland Heights, OH
Meade, Tim
Sandusky, OH
Schubert, Chris
Kirtland Hills, OH
Medovich, Brent
Las Vegas, NV
Schubert, Dave
Cleveland Heights, OH
Merkle, Steve
London, OH
Seelie, Ken
Valparaiso, IN
Milbourn, Bryan
Phoenix, AZ
Senkar, Bob
Medina, OH
Milbourn, Jeff
Solon, OH
Sheehan, Neil
North Olmsted, OH
Milbourn, Mike
Cincinnati, OH
Smith, Steve
Cincinnati, OH
Millar, Heather
Arnold, MD
St.Clair, Scott
Stafford, VA
Miller, Denny
Orrville, OH
Stohrer, Bert
Columbus, OH
Mills, Bruce
Gurnee, IL
Sutker, Steve
Beachwood, OH
Molder, Dick
Erie, PA
Tesch, Gary
Cypress, TX
Munger, Jeff
Bayfield, CO
Thomas, Clare
Columbus, OH
Murdock, Tim
North Royalton, OH
Tletski, Paul
Parma, OH
Nathanson, Josh
Solon, OH
Tully, Joe
Massillon, OH
Nicoloff, Doc
Petersburg, OH
Tutty, Sean
Ilion, NY
Niemi, Ed
Cleveland, OH
Underwood, John
Chino Hills, CA
Paulik, Dennis
Hamilton, OH
Columbus, OH
Houston, TX
Vance, Danny
Pizzitola, Mickey
Pohlman, Steve
Missouri City, TX
Pollock, Jeff
Fort Myers, FL
Porter, Steve
Oklahoma City, OK
Voth, Bobby
Sagamore Hills, OH
Portik, Steve
Olmsted Twp., OH
Walsky, Eric
Massillon, OH
Relic, Bob
Pittsburg, PA
Westmoreland, Cody
Springfield, LA
Ressler, Wayne
Apple Creek, OH
Wilson, John
Troy, OH
Sachs, Ken
Parkland, FL
Young, Tracy
Victoria, TX
Santelli, Bob
Los Angeles, CA
Zehe, Allen
Kirtland, OH
Scheel, Christian
Eastlake, OH
Zrenner, Bill
Cleveland, OH
VanValkenburgh, Greg North Royalton, OH
VanValkenburgh, Ned Cleveland Heights, OH
Page 11
THE FANS
Adamik, Suzi
Cleveland, OH
Meade, Mary
Sandusky, OH
Adkins, Annette
Paulding, OH
Merkle, Lisa
London, OH
Alvis, Honey
Jasper, TX
Miller , Lesa
Doylestown, OH
Burns, Cynthia
Twinsburg, OH
Munger, Caroline
Bayfield, CO
Hargrove, Sharon
Richfield, OH
Ressler , Beth
Apple Creek, OH
Senkar, Cindy
Medina, OH
Hermann, Tom
Westlake, OH
Smith , Suzanne
Bowling Green, OH
Hornsby, John
Mandeville, LA
Kleinlein, Betty
Crete, IL
Kornswiet, Carolyn
Laguna Beach, CA
Mantel, Melinda
Akron, OH
VanValkenburgh, Jane North Royalton, OH
Mastrian, Jim
Moreland Hills, OH
Vardous, Courtney
North Olmsted, OH
Matoney, Bob
Lyndhurst, OH
Williams, Sandy
Bexley, OH
Snyder-Garcia, Laurie Parma, OH
St.Clair, Linda
Stafford, VA
Underwood, John
Chino Hills, CA
THE STAFF
FANTASY CAMP OPERATIONS
Bob Feller ……...…… Camp Commissioner
Gary Bell ……...… Kangaroo Kourt Judge
Rick Manning ………......... Camp Manager
Mudcat Grant ….….....… Sergeant at Arms
Joe Bartolone ………………..……….....……………..….…. Director of Camp Operations
Denny Linden …….………….….……....…….… Camp Information Director / Announcer
FRONT OFFICE
Bob DiBiasio ……….…………………….……..…..…. Vice President of Public Relations
Curtis Danburg …………..….…………….…………….….... Director of Communications
Nate Janoso …………..………...….…………………………….…..…… Public Relations
Ryan Lantz ………..………………….…….…… Manager of Spring Training Operations
Page 12
THE STAFF
PRO ASSISTANTS
Doug DiVita
Eddie Neer
Ray Fanta
Ronnie Ralph
Vic Finomore
Steve Saltzman
Joe Katzenstein
Jim Smith
Mike Laffey
Randy Steffy
TRAINERS
Teddy Blackwell
Jeremy Heller
Michael Salazar
CLUBHOUSE
Fletcher Wilkes ………………...……. Manager
Dan Barnoski
Marty Bokovitz
Wayne Peltz
Dennis Renz
CULINARY
Chris Miles ………………...……. Head Chef
Ruth Antunez
Russell “Shaggy” Bullock
Kristine Miles
Mark Blaszak
Randy Burns
Richard Wolf
VIDEOGRAPHERS
Steve Warren ……… Director
Steve Barto
Mike Symonds
Mark Koha
Christopher Madden
Kevin Tennant
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Dan Mendlik ……………. Head Photographer
Larz Schwartz
Yamil Sued
DRIVERS
Rik Danburg
John Farinacci
Donnie Foutty
Justin Sherman
UMPIRES
Thomas Guzowski
George Macris
John Miklus
Paul Mascarella
Mike Sokolowski

The View from the Commissioner`s Box

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